With evening temperatures finally cooling down, we are all beginning to feel the lure of the back patio and of spending time outside with friends and family. Not many things are as relaxing as sitting outside on the patio under the stars in this beautiful weather. With the small addition of music, time can slow down and bring an even more intimate feeling to the backyard.

Quality music is now always just a click away, from our iPods to Time Warner music channels, there’s always something to listen to. Audio manufacturers have learned that
we don’t want to limit ourselves to just headphones or the living room couch, so many companies are offering great systems that can bring music to life outdoors. The listings explored here should help guide your choice as to which would fit your lifestyle best.

Portable audio systems
These systems offer great portable sound that can be used indoors and out to bring the audio from your iPod to life so everyone can enjoy it. If you’re looking for something that is truly versatile, the Bose SoundDock Portable is a great option. Add a few batteries, and take it with you anywhere, from the golf course to the pool. If you can suffer through lugging around an extension cord and like the idea of having both great style and sound, look no fartehr than the Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin. The styling and quality of the Zeppelin keep you from ever having to hide it away in a cabinet. Both can be found at Bjorn’s here in San Antonio.

Wireless speakers
If you’d like something portable but want to stay connected to the computer or stereo inside, wireless speakers are a great solution. These speakers offer the freedom to take them from the office right into the backyard. Models k li e the JBL Control 2.4G, are controlled by a base station that plugs into anything from your mp3 player to your television set and then feeds the sound to the two wireless speakers. As with anything wireless, its limitation is that it is unable to go to far away from the base station before the sound quality drops.

Hard-wired speakers
Hard-wired speakers offer the highest quality sound with the least obtrusive look. These speakers can be hidden in the eaves or blend with the rocks in the garden. No matter which model you choose, all are capable of filling your outdoor space with a clearer louder sound than portable or wireless speakers. Two great models to look at are the Sonance Mariner line or the Sonance Rock. This design of speaker requires a dedicated stereo or amplifier that typically stays inside the house. In new construction, it is easiest to tie them into a whole house audio system. But in an existing structure, you can simply connect them to the stereo in the living room or entertainment room. Many homes already have stereos that feature a second channel output which can send the same audio that is playing inside to the speakers outside.

Whichever model you choose, try not to turn things up too loud, or you’ll forget why you’re outside in the first place.

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